HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA, ST. PETERSBURG, FL and BARENDRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS – January 23, 2018 – Enhanced Vision and VFO, with its Freedom Scientific and Optelec brands, today announced the two companies have merged to create the world’s largest assistive technology provider for the visually impaired. Each company has a long history of developing innovative technology solutions that enable blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential – to gain an education, obtain employment, succeed in professional careers, and live independently throughout their lives.

“Combining our complementary businesses gives us the broadest portfolio in the industry and unmatched worldwide distribution and customer support,” said Barron Javaheri, CEO of Enhanced Vision. “The combined company will be able to offer customers a broad portfolio of well-known brands of video magnifiers, scanning and reading solutions, and Wearables.  By expanding our talents and capabilities, our scale in R&D will enable us to have Best in Class products in all categories.”

“Our employees are energized by the opportunity that results from this merger, and we are eager to start working together to deliver market-leading solutions, training, and support to the broadest audience of assistive technology users,” said Tom Tiernan, CEO of VFO.

The combined company will retain the individual Enhanced Vision, Freedom Scientific, and Optelec brands and product portfolio as we thoroughly and thoughtfully work together during the integration process, carefully recognizing the anticipated customer benefits.

About Enhanced Vision

Enhanced Vision is a leading worldwide provider of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. Since its inception in 1996, Enhanced Vision has brought many of the industry’s most innovative assistive technologies to the market. Today our product portfolio is considered one of the most diverse and reliable on the market.

Enhanced Vision is headquartered in Huntington Beach, CA with offices in Germany and the UK. The Company’s products are available in more than 50 countries. For more information, please visit https://www.enhancedvision.com

About VFO/Freedom Scientific & Optelec

VFO^™ is the world’s leading assistive technology provider for the visually impaired. Its brands Freedom Scientific and Optelec have a long history of developing and providing innovative solutions for blind and low vision individuals, helping them to reach their full potential. In 2015, Freedom Scientific and Optelec were merged into one worldwide organization. In 2016, VFO added ZoomText, and in 2017, The Paciello Group.  Freedom and Optelec develop innovative products – both hardware and software – in cooperation with their customers. VFO products are represented in more than 70 countries.

Optelec is headquartered in Barendrecht, the Netherlands and Freedom Scientific is headquartered in St Petersburg, FL. For more information, please visit www.freedomscientific.com or www.optelec.com.

Media Contacts

Jim McDonnell, VFO

800-444-4443

[email protected]

www.vfogroup.com

 
Jeri Scanlon, Enhanced Vision

800-440-9476
[email protected]

www.EnhancedVision.com